“Somos el Futuro”: It translates to “We are the Future”. That simple, yet powerful message, became a central and transformative theme around the healing journey for many youth impacted by the Super Bowl parade day shooting, who received support in the aftermath from Guadalupe Centers.
Thanks to your generosity, Guadalupe Centers was one of 14 nonprofits selected to receive grant dollars through the KC Strong Fund, in addition to 20 verified gunshot victims who were also supported by the fund.
“Immediately when the news broke, we knew that our community had definitely been impacted, our neighborhood,” said Diane Rojas, Guadalupe Centers Chief Program Officer.
The organization, which has a more than century-long rich history supporting Kansas City’s Hispanic community, quickly brought together resources and collaborated with community partners to help those impacted by the mass shooting.
“Our goal is to always normalize the conversation and let people know that there’s help,” said Leo Prieto, Guadalupe Centers Vice President of Youth Development.
“Often times, the people we serve have many barriers and challenges with respect to accessing those services,” said Rojas. “So having funding that allowed us to help our community heal and recover—that was amazing.”
In addition to therapy and supportive services for those trying to heal in the wake of the shooting, Guadalupe Centers was also able to provide art therapy sessions, thanks to KC Strong funds. Nearly 30 students impacted by the events of February 14th participated, creating 27 panels that exemplify what KC Strong means to them.
“It took folks coming together, being able to express themselves in an artistic way,” Prieto said. “You see everything from a KC Strong with the heart to seeing some Chiefs things to the Mexican flag to just what really embodies the community. And so to see that, I mean, I’m getting the chills just thinking about it because it was a time where that was part of the healing process. And to have many of the, the folks that were the victims, there and they were affected by it participating, along with our staff, and along with other family and community members, it was it was a special moment.”
The art panels will soon be installed along the West Side Bridge, at 1300 Summit St. in Kansas City, Mo. as a permanent tribute to the seismic impact of the parade day tragedy, the healing journey that followed, and the strength and resilience that has shown we are KC Strong.
“The kids just really poured their hearts out,” Prieto said. “And it’s a beautiful thing.”
Even nine months after the gunfire erupted, there are still many emotional scars and a lot of trauma to be worked through. Guadalupe Centers is immensely grateful it can continue to provide the support that’s needed, because of the more than 4,000 generous individuals from around the world who pledged support to KC Strong.
“KC Strong says it all. I think when it comes to tragedies, Kansas City is very united,” Prieto said. “You know, we live in a divided world right now, country and so forth. But when it comes things like this, with KC Strong, everyone stepped up. And for us to really see that impact and that commitment with people stepping forward and giving, you know, whether it’s their time, whether it’s their money–people from all walks of life that maybe did not even know the victims. It’s been amazing.”
“To be quite honest, I think that was like a major turning point for a lot of community providers. We’ve continued the collaborative conversations that started back in February,” Rojas shared. “And that’s a good thing. So I feel like KC Strong has supported that, too. You all brought everyone together.”